3 essentials required to cultivate a healthy, trustworthy, and gospel-centered church community
I. The Essentials of Qualified Deacons
A. A dignified life
1 Timothy 3:8 - Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain…
B. A genuine faith
1 Timothy 3:9 - …but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
“Every deacon (and every Christian) should strive to be able to strive to be able to say with Paul, ‘For our proud confidence is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you’ (2 Corinthians 1:12).” (John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, 1 Timothy, 128)
C. A proven track record
1 Timothy 3:10 - These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
D. A stable home-life
1 Timothy 3:12 - Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
E. A spiritual blessing to others
1 Timothy 3:13 - For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
II. The Essentials of Qualified Women
A. A dignified spirit
1 Timothy 3:11 - Women must likewise be dignified…
B. A guarded tongue
1 Timothy 3:11 - …not malicious gossips…
C. A clear mindset
1 Timothy 3:11 - …but temperate…
D. And stable devotion
1 Timothy 3:11 - …faithful in all things.
III. The Essentials of a Christ-like Culture
A. A clear standard of conduct
1 Timothy 3:14-15 - I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God…
B. A warm family identity
1 Timothy 3:15 - …which is the church of the living God…
C. A defender of truth
1 Timothy 3:15 - …the pillar and support of the truth.
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